Spring has sprung, and I'm loving it!

Earthlings office garden with Plum in full bloom!
(Just waiting for annuals... can't wait! )

Tulips

There are many plants that make the garden sparkle this time of year.  Because we have long winters, spring flowers seem to be the most anticipated, and can be incorporated in your landscape plan.

Spring bulbs give color almost immediately once the ground begins to thaw. 

Ornamental Onion

Some favorites are grape hyacinth, daffodils, and of course tulips. Planting these bulbs in the fall will give color in the spring and fill spaces in the landscape until the perennials and shrubs start coming in.

Bonfire Cushion S

Spring color comes from perennials too. These perennials such as Cushion Spurge, Moss Phlox, Bergenia, Siberian Bugloss, Prairie Crocus, Snow Drop Anemone, and Iris really pop in the spring.

This time of year Apples and Mayday trees are in full bloom and fill the air with their sweet fragrance. Some of my favorite spring flowering shrubs are spireas. The Bridal Wreath Spirea has long arching branches covered in white blossoms. Lilacs are another spring favorite with many varieties blooming from early to late spring.

Share your spring flowers this spring on our FACEBOOK Page – Earthlings inc. – 

I would love to see what’s blooming J

Happy Gardening,

Kirsten Hironaka

It is hard to imagine those hot summer days at this time of year. When the heat does arrive, watering can be time consuming, costly and sometimes wasteful.

Water smarter by trying these simple techniques:

Install water collection systems that collect water from downspouts. There are many rain barrel options. Remember that collection is the first step and usage is the second. The more difficult the rain barrel is to use the less likely you will use it.  Having multiple water spigots and mosquito mesh are great features. Place rain barrels next to areas that might need extra watering such as planters or pots.

When choosing plants, choose varieties that will thrive in our natural environment.

Group plants that have similar watering requirements together in your landscape. If you have a water hogging plant among drought tolerant plants you end up watering to the water hogger’s needs which can be very wasteful.

Use an automatic irrigation system and even install rain sensors. Let’s face it, putting a sprinkler out on the lawn and leaving it for hours is not an effective way to water. The result is over saturated soils and runoff. Drip lines and pop up heads that produce droplets reduce evaporation and overspray. Timing the watering of lawns to stop watering just before the point of saturation is ideal because roots still need oxygen and can be stressed in constant saturation.

Water deep and less often. This will help the roots of your plants stretch to find moisture deeper rather than relying on more frequent shallow watering.

Happy Gardening,

Kirsten 

The Outdoor Fire

I lOVE the smell of roasting FOOD and the COMFORT of warming my toes near a fire during the summer.

With all the backyard fire options you can find at retailers these days, I’m convinced I’m not the only one :)




In the landscape design and construction business I have see the desire for them increase every year. A fire can draw people outside and can make a chilly night quite inviting.

If you’re planning to incorporate a fire pit in your landscape, the first thing to consider is whether your municipality allows for residential fires and what the regulations might be.

In the City of Lethbridge, you don’t need a permit for fire pits. A “fire pit” is defined as anything used for outdoor burning, such as a fire pit (permanently affixed receptacle), fireplace (enclosed receptacle with permanently affixed chimney or flue constructed of rock, brick, or other masonry), and a portable fire (fire bowls, tables, etc.).



A fire pit in Lethbridge must be 2m from a building, structure, or any other combustible material. They also need to be fully extinguished if left, not used between midnight and 8:00 a.m., and cannot be larger than 1m in size with flames no higher than 1m.

It should also be made of non- combustible material, and owners should not burn painted lumber, glue, resin, wet wood, yard waste, garbage, rubber, or plastic. The smells and harm that can come from burning these things is unpleasant and probably won’t make for very happy neighbours.

You can find more information regarding the City of Lethbridge fire bylaw in Bylaw #5431 at lethbridge.ca.

You can also decide whether you want to use gas or wood to create the fire (gas will require a city permit and inspection) and whether you want to cook food on the fire or just enjoy the warmth. This will help you choose what style of fire receptacle would work best for you.

One suggestion I make to clients is to use a portable fire, especially if you have only one patio or gathering space. Installing a permanent fire pit definitely limits your options. It’s handy to be able to move the portable fire aside when not in use to set out an extra table or two for larger gatherings.

I’m sure looking forward to cooking and gathering around the fire this summer. Have fun and be safe!

Kirsten